1. Executive Summary
In response to the rising unemployment and economic exclusion in South Africa’s informal settlements, SayPro (South African Youth Project) and Accenture South Africa have launched a landmark initiative to deliver Skills to Succeed (S2S) training to 2,500 residents of Diepsloot, one of Johannesburg’s most underserved communities. This partnership is set to equip youth and vulnerable groups with essential digital, entrepreneurial, and job readiness skills, positioning them for meaningful employment or self-employment in South Africa’s competitive economy.
The initiative will span 12 months and leverage technology, on-the-ground facilitation, and stakeholder engagement to ensure scalable and measurable impact.
2. Background and Context
2.1 The Socioeconomic Landscape of Diepsloot
Located in northern Johannesburg, Diepsloot is home to over 350,000 residents, many of whom live in informal housing without reliable access to basic services or sustainable livelihoods. The community faces chronic issues such as:
- High youth unemployment rates (estimated at over 60%)
- Limited access to quality education and vocational training
- Economic marginalization and lack of infrastructure
- Rising rates of crime and social instability
Despite these challenges, Diepsloot is a vibrant, entrepreneurial community with immense untapped potential, particularly among its youth population.
2.2 SayPro’s Presence in Diepsloot
SayPro has operated in Diepsloot for over a decade, delivering programs in youth development, employability training, social services, and community leadership. With established relationships and physical training centers in the area, SayPro is well-positioned to implement this large-scale initiative effectively.
3. About the Partners
3.1 SayPro (South African Youth Project)
SayPro is a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth, women, and marginalized communities through education, employment training, and entrepreneurship support. With operations in all nine provinces, SayPro specializes in scalable, impact-driven interventions that uplift vulnerable groups.
Core focus areas include:
- Digital and entrepreneurial skills development
- Job readiness and career support
- Community engagement and social support services
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global professional services company with deep expertise in strategy, digital transformation, cloud, and technology services. Through its Corporate Citizenship and Skills to Succeed (S2S) initiative, Accenture is committed to closing skills gaps, reducing unemployment, and promoting inclusive growth.
Since the launch of S2S, Accenture has helped millions globally and thousands locally to prepare for the future of work through innovative, tech-driven training models.
4. About the Skills to Succeed (S2S) Initiative
4.1 Vision and Mission
Skills to Succeed (S2S) is Accenture’s global program that aims to empower individuals with the skills necessary to secure employment or start and grow businesses. The S2S model uses blended learning, mentoring, and digital platforms to ensure cost-effective, high-impact results.
4.2 Key Components of S2S
- Digital Skills: Including computer literacy, productivity tools, and online collaboration
- Career Readiness: CV writing, interviewing skills, professional communication
- Entrepreneurship: Business planning, customer service, marketing, and budgeting
- Soft Skills: Critical thinking, time management, teamwork, and adaptability
- Job Placement Support: Access to job boards, networking, and internships
The curriculum is tailored to the local context while meeting global workforce standards.
5. Objectives of the Diepsloot Initiative
The primary goals of the SayPro–Accenture S2S program in Diepsloot are:
- Train 2,500 residents with job-relevant and entrepreneurial skills.
- Reduce youth unemployment through skills development and job linkage.
- Promote digital inclusion in a community with limited technological access.
- Create pathways to economic self-reliance, especially for women and youth.
- Foster community resilience by equipping individuals to become change agents.
6. Target Audience and Beneficiaries
The initiative focuses on:
- Youth (ages 18–35) who are unemployed or underemployed
- Women, who face disproportionate barriers to employment
- People with disabilities
- High school graduates who have not accessed tertiary education
- Aspiring entrepreneurs from informal sectors
A special emphasis will be placed on individuals who have previously lacked access to structured training or career support.
7. Implementation Strategy
7.1 Training Delivery Model
Training will be delivered using a blended learning model, which includes:
- On-site training centers in Diepsloot with computer labs and learning facilitators
- Online modules hosted on SayPro’s LMS, accessible via mobile-friendly platforms
- Facilitated group sessions, workshops, and peer learning circles
- Mentorship programs connecting learners with professionals from Accenture and partner organizations
7.2 Training Duration
Each cohort will undergo a 6- to 8-week training cycle, culminating in:
- Certification of completion
- Individual career development plans
- Follow-up support for job placement or entrepreneurship
7.3 Timeline and Cohort Scheduling
| Phase | Timeline | Target Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | July – September 2025 | 600 |
| Phase 2 | October – December 2025 | 600 |
| Phase 3 | January – March 2026 | 650 |
| Phase 4 | April – June 2026 | 650 |
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
To ensure transparency and accountability, SayPro and Accenture will implement a rigorous Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework, including:
- Baseline assessments and skills audits
- Post-training evaluations
- Participant feedback loops
- Job placement tracking
- Quarterly impact reports shared with stakeholders and the public
An external evaluator may be engaged to conduct an independent impact study at program close.
9. Partnerships and Community Engagement
9.1 Local Stakeholders
SayPro will work closely with:
- Community-based organizations
- Local councillors and traditional leaders
- Educational institutions and faith-based groups
- Employers and SMEs in Diepsloot and surrounding areas
Regular community forums, open days, and graduation events will be held to promote visibility and community ownership.
9.2 Private Sector Collaboration
Accenture will engage additional corporate partners to:
- Provide mentorship
- Offer internship and job shadowing opportunities
- Sponsor technology, internet access, and training materials
10. Expected Outcomes
10.1 Short-Term Outcomes
- 2,500 individuals trained and certified
- 60% reporting improved job readiness
- 500+ linked to employment or internships
- 300+ launching microenterprises or side hustles
10.2 Long-Term Impact
- Improved household income in Diepsloot
- Increased participation of women in the workforce
- Strengthened local economy through entrepreneurship
- Reduced dependency on government social grants
11. Success Stories and Testimonials
While early in implementation, SayPro and Accenture plan to document success stories through:
- Video interviews
- Social media highlights
- Monthly impact newsletters
Stories will showcase how the program transforms not only individuals but also families and the broader Diepsloot community.
12. Sustainability and Scalability
To ensure long-term sustainability:
- SayPro will continue offering alumni services including refresher courses, networking events, and business support.
- An online Job Readiness Toolkit will be developed to allow self-paced learning post-program.
- The model will be refined and replicated in other townships, including Alexandra, Orange Farm, and Tembisa.
13. Call to Action
SayPro invites government, private sector entities, and civil society partners to:
- Sponsor learners or technology infrastructure
- Offer job opportunities or internships
- Provide coaching or mentorship
- Collaborate on future expansion of the S2S model
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